When people think of Sun Peaks, skiing, biking and mountain trails often come to mind. But for over a decade, another kind of energy has been growing in the heart of the village—the creative spark fostered by ArtZone.
Founded in 2012 by Connie McKnight, ArtZone began as a small idea with a big vision: to create a place for arts and culture to flourish in a resort town known primarily for outdoor adventure.
“From the very beginning, the idea was about creating a place for art to belong in Sun Peaks,” said ArtZone president Marj Knive. “We’ve used the walls of various businesses, made space wherever we could and kept growing.”
The early years were about proving that art had an audience in Sun Peaks. Local artists showcased their work wherever there was wall space.Cafes, shops and restaurants became temporary galleries. The response was encouraging and by 2019, ArtZone was established as a community fixture. That year marked a turning point when the organization expanded its reach to performing arts by welcoming Missoula Children’s Theatre.
“It was a huge step for us,” Knive explained. “The theatre gave families and kids a chance to engage with the arts in a whole new way.”
Film soon followed. Partnering with the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, ArtZone brought curated screenings into the village, tapping into both the local love for adventure and the universal appeal of great storytelling. These film nights not only added variety to Sun Peaks’ event calendar but also connected the community to international voices and ideas.
This year, ArtZone celebrated one of its biggest milestones yet: The ArtHub.
“Having a physical home gives the organization stability and a gathering place for workshops, exhibitions and community collaboration,” Knive said. ”It represents a shift from being nomadic,borrowing walls and spaces,to finally planting permanent roots.”
ArtZone’s story is also one of connections beyond the mountains. Knive sees this as essential to the organization’s growth.
“Every year we see more people, more excitement, more ideas,” she said. “That’s what makes this work so special. We’re not just putting on events. We’re creating a community around art in Sun Peaks.”
From modest beginnings to film festivals, theatre productions and the promise of a permanent hub, ArtZone’s journey reflects both the challenges and resilience of the arts in a small community.
A decade in, the organization continues to carve out space for creativity, ensuring that art is just as much a part of the Sun Peaks experience as its slopes and trails.
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